If your kitchen has been damaged by a flood, fire, burst pipe, or other insured event, there is a good chance your insurance will cover the cost of a temporary kitchen. Many homeowners do not realise this — and end up living off microwaves and takeaways for weeks when they did not need to.
This guide explains exactly what is covered, how to make the claim, and how to get a temporary kitchen set up as quickly as possible.
The Short Answer
Yes — most buildings and contents insurance policies include a provision called alternative accommodation cover or loss of use cover. This is designed to pay for reasonable living expenses when your home is uninhabitable or partially unusable due to an insured event.
A temporary kitchen — typically a self-contained pod delivered to your driveway or installed inside your home — is increasingly recognised by insurers as a cost-effective alternative to putting a family up in a hotel or rental property.
Think about it from the insurer's perspective: paying £350-£800 per week for a kitchen pod is significantly cheaper than paying £150+ per night for a hotel for a family of four. Many insurers actively prefer this option.
What "Loss of Use" Cover Actually Means
Loss of use cover is the part of your policy that pays for the additional costs you run up because you cannot use part of your home normally. Depending on your policy, that can include:
- Temporary kitchen hire
- Increased takeaway or eating-out costs
- Hotel or temporary accommodation costs
- Storage of belongings during the repair
The key word is "additional" — insurers pay for costs above what you would normally spend. If you would usually spend, say, £50 a week on cooking and a temporary kitchen costs around £500 a week, the insurer covers the difference. In practice, most insurers pay the full hire cost of a temporary kitchen, because it is far cheaper than putting a family in a hotel.
What Events Are Typically Covered?
Insurance will generally cover a temporary kitchen if your kitchen has been put out of action by:
- Flood damage — burst pipes, rainwater ingress, or rising water
- Fire damage — whether from a kitchen fire or fire elsewhere in the property
- Storm damage — roof leaks, fallen trees, or structural damage affecting the kitchen
- Escape of water — leaking appliances, failed plumbing, or tank overflows
- Impact damage — for example, a vehicle hitting your property
- Subsidence — in some cases where structural repairs affect the kitchen
- Accidental damage — if you have accidental damage cover on your policy
The key requirement is that the damage must be caused by an insured peril — something specifically listed in your policy. Damage from general wear and tear, poor maintenance, or gradual deterioration is not covered.
What Is NOT Covered?
Your insurance will almost certainly not pay for a temporary kitchen if:
- You are renovating your kitchen by choice (this is planned, not an insured event)
- The damage was caused by lack of maintenance (e.g. a slow leak you ignored)
- You do not have alternative accommodation cover on your policy (check your documents)
- The event that caused the damage is excluded from your policy
- The cost falls below your policy excess (in which case it may not be worth claiming)
If you are renovating by choice, a temporary kitchen is still very affordable to hire privately — but you will be paying out of pocket.
What Insurers Typically Pay For
Cover varies by policy, but based on how real claims tend to settle:
Usually covered
- Hire cost of the temporary kitchen unit
- Delivery and collection charges
- Utility connections (electric, water, gas)
- A hire extension if repairs take longer than expected
Sometimes covered (depends on your policy)
- Premium unit upgrades (e.g. a larger pod than strictly necessary)
- Servicing and maintenance during the hire
- Groundwork or site preparation costs
Rarely covered
- Cosmetic upgrades to your permanent kitchen unrelated to the original damage
- Temporary kitchens for parts of the home not affected by the insured event
- Hire that started before the claim was approved
How to Make the Claim: Step by Step
Step 1: Report the damage to your insurer immediately. Call your insurer's claims line as soon as the damage happens. The sooner you report, the sooner they can authorise cover.
Step 2: Ask specifically about alternative accommodation and temporary kitchen cover. Do not wait for them to mention it. Ask directly: "Does my policy include alternative accommodation cover? Can this be used to hire a temporary kitchen pod instead of moving out?"
Step 3: Your insurer will appoint a loss adjuster. For significant claims, an independent loss adjuster will visit your property to assess the damage. They will determine what is covered and what is not.
Step 4: Get quotes for a temporary kitchen. You can arrange this yourself or your insurer may have preferred suppliers. Getting your own quotes gives you more control over the type and quality of kitchen you receive. Use our quote form to get matched with providers who work with insurance claims.
Step 5: Submit the quotes to your insurer or loss adjuster. They will approve a reasonable cost. The insurer may pay the provider directly, or reimburse you — but get the approval in writing before you book.
Step 6: Get your temporary kitchen delivered. Most providers can deliver within 24-48 hours of approval. Some offer same-day emergency delivery.
For a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough of the whole process — including how loss adjusters work and typical claim timelines — see our insurance claim walkthrough.
What Type of Temporary Kitchen Will I Get?
For domestic insurance claims, the most common options are:
Driveway pod (large) — a fully equipped kitchen unit placed on your driveway. Includes fridge-freezer, oven or hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, sink with hot and cold water, and worktop space. Connects to your home's electricity and water.
Driveway pod (compact) — same concept but smaller, for homes with limited driveway space or narrow access.
Indoor capsule kitchen — installed inside your home, typically in a living room or spare bedroom. No driveway needed. Ideal for flats, apartments, and homes without outdoor space.
The provider will survey your property (often remotely via photos) to recommend the right option.
How Long Does an Insurance-Funded Hire Last?
The average insurance-funded temporary kitchen hire lasts between 8 and 16 weeks, though this varies enormously depending on:
- The extent of the damage
- The availability of contractors for repairs
- The complexity of the rebuild (structural work takes longer)
- Supply chain delays for replacement kitchen units and appliances
Good providers build flexibility into their hire agreements for insurance clients, letting you extend week by week without penalty — so set the hire period a little longer than you think you will need, since you can usually end early.
Tips for a Smooth Insurance Claim
Document everything. Photograph the damage before any cleanup. Keep all receipts. Note the time and date the damage occurred.
Read your policy. Look for sections titled "alternative accommodation," "loss of use," or "additional living expenses." Note the maximum cover amount — it varies by policy.
Be proactive. Do not wait for your insurer to suggest a temporary kitchen. Many families end up without one simply because they did not know to ask.
Use an insurance-ready provider. Look for providers experienced with insurance work — they can provide quotes in the format insurers expect, deal with the loss adjuster, and often invoice the insurer directly, meaning you pay nothing upfront.
Know your rights. If your policy includes alternative accommodation cover, you are entitled to claim. The insurer cannot refuse a reasonable request for a temporary kitchen if the alternative would be more expensive (such as hotel accommodation).
How Much Does It Cost? (If You Are Paying Privately)
If your situation is not covered by insurance — for example, a planned renovation — temporary kitchen hire is still very affordable. Most domestic providers quote individually based on your needs, but typical costs range from £350–£800 per week (£70–150/day) for a driveway pod, including delivery and collection.
See our full cost guide for detailed pricing.
Need Help?
We can match you with temporary kitchen providers who specialise in insurance claims and have established relationships with major UK insurers. Get a free quote — select "I'm making an insurance claim" and we will connect you with the right providers.